Preface Preface

• A new home is something to celebrate! If you're invited for a visit or attending a housewarming party, show up with a generous gift for the new homeowners or apartment-renters. Whether it's practical or simply a gesture, it'll be very welcome in their new home.

Get Something Useful for the Short Term Get Something Useful for the Short Term

• A bottle of wine or champagne is a handy standby when you're not quite sure what to get the new homeowners, as is a bouquet of exotic flowers, a collection of gourmet coffees or teas, or a basket of edibles - especially if you're an early visitor and the cookware is still packed away.

Get Something Useful for the Long Term Get Something Useful for the Long Term

• There are plenty of options for the kitchen that your recipients might not already have, like a fancy countertop appliance, a bamboo cutting board, or even a wall-mounted bottle opener. Think along the lines of useful yet unique.

Get Something They Wouldn't Get Themselves Get Something They Wouldn't Get Themselves

• Monogrammed towels or personally engraved glassware are sweet gifts that homeowners might not think to pick up when their outfitting their abode. Think about how you can personalize your gift.

Get Something That's Purely Fun Get Something That's Purely Fun

• Moving can be stressful! A functional gift disguised as something silly - or something purely meant to garner laughs - is a sweet gesture and provides a little levity.

Get Something to Help Them Decorate Get Something to Help Them Decorate

• It's hard to nail someone's personal decorating style, but decorative coasters, fancy throw pillows, or even a beautiful houseplant are bound to go over well.

Get Something to Help Them Entertain Get Something to Help Them Entertain

• Cheese boards, wine decanters, wine charms, dessert plates - all of these things will be welcome items that a homeowner can open and use right on the spot at his or her housewarming event!

Get Something to Help Them Relax Get Something to Help Them Relax

• Who would turn away spa goods? From gadgets like foot massagers to something as simple as a set of scented soaps or candles will take the edge off of all that exhausting unpacking and settling in.